Lolo National Forest seeking public comment for Highway 83 North Seeley Wildland Urban Interface project

Missoula, Mont., August 27, 2023 — The Seeley Lake Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest is seeking public comment through September 28 on a proposal to manage safety concerns and improve forest health conditions throughout nearly 23,000 acres of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas along Highway 83 in North Seeley.

The proposed Highway 83 WUI project was collaboratively designed with multiple stakeholders to mitigate public safety concerns within the area through the removal of dead and diseased trees. Major infestation of Douglas fir bark beetle has contributed to an increase in fire hazards and safety concerns within the area. Dead trees increase public exposure to hazards within the Nordic ski area, permitted Tamarack resort and popular Alva & Rainey campgrounds. The increase in fuels accumulated within the area also increases the risk for wildfire.

While the projects focus is public safety, there will also be several other benefits to the forest. The project will also help to maintain or improve wildlife, bull trout, and aquatic and riparian habitat where possible. It will also improve forest health within the area with the removal of diseased, dead and infected vegetation.

“This proposed project is a truly integrated and collaboratively developed endeavor that needs input from all voices across our community,” said Seeley Lake District Ranger Quinn Carver. “The recent Colt Fire has shown the necessity for treatments like this. We plan to address several human safety hazards while also improving quality habitat for fish and wildlife toward a healthier future for these public lands.”

Comments specific to this project and/or to individual sites and resources in the area are valuable in helping the Forest identify issues, develop alternatives to the proposed action and refine the analysis. For more information, and to comment, please visit the project Web site here.

Comments by mail can be addressed to: ATTN: North Seeley Wildland Urban Interface – Highway 83 Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 Highway 83 Seeley Lake, MT 59868